Oddworld vs. Modern Indie: Why The Oddboxx Still Holds Up Against Today’s Best Action Games

The Oddboxx: A Timeless Bundle of Oddworld Classics

The Oddboxx includes four complete games: Abe’s Oddysee, Abe’s Exoddus, Munch’s Oddysee, and Stranger’s Wrath. These titles defined the cinematic platformer genre with their unique blend of puzzle-solving, stealth, and dark humor. Abe’s Oddysee and Exoddus are 2D side-scrollers where you guide the titular Mudokon through industrial environments, rescuing fellow slaves and avoiding deadly traps. The games are notorious for their difficulty—instant death is around every corner, and saving your progress requires careful management of save points. For players who relish a challenge and atmospheric storytelling, these games remain unmatched.

Munch’s Oddysee shifts to 3D, introducing two playable characters with distinct abilities. Munch, a Gabbit, can swim and hack machines, while Abe can possess enemies and command followers. The cooperative puzzles feel fresh even today, though the camera and controls show their age. Stranger’s Wrath is the most action-oriented entry, blending third-person shooting with platforming. You play as a bounty hunter in a Wild West-inspired setting, using live ammunition (yes, you shoot critters as ammo) to take down outlaws. Each game offers hours of content, and the bundle is a steal for anyone wanting a deep dive into Oddworld’s lore. The Steam version includes modern resolutions and controller support, making it accessible on current hardware.

SANABI: The Revenant — Precision Parkour Meets Cyberpunk

SANABI: The Revenant is a 2D action platformer that centers on a chain-hook prosthetic arm. You play as a revenant in a neon-drenched cyberpunk city, grappling across gaps, swinging from ceilings, and chaining together acrobatic moves. The game’s core loop is about speed and precision—each level is a gauntlet of traps, enemies, and environmental puzzles that demand quick reflexes. Unlike The Oddboxx’s methodical stealth, SANABI encourages aggressive momentum. You’ll feel like a cybernetic ninja as you zip through the air, and the difficulty ramps up nicely without feeling unfair.

Where SANABI excels is in its fluid movement system. The hookshot mechanic is responsive and satisfying, and the game rewards mastery with faster clear times and hidden collectibles. The story, while not as deep as Oddworld’s, is serviceable—you’re hunting the mysterious SANABI through a dystopian society. The art style is gorgeous, with vibrant neon lighting and detailed pixel art. For players who love speedrunning or games like Celeste and The Messenger, SANABI is a must-buy. It’s a modern take on precision platforming that The Oddboxx’s older entries can’t match in terms of mechanical polish.

The Oddboxx Gift Steam / Base Game SANABI: The Revenant Steam / Base Game SAMURAI MAIDEN Steam / Base Game DOOMBLADE Steam / Base Game Postal Steam / Base Game

SAMURAI MAIDEN: Hack-and-Slash with a Time-Twist

SAMURAI MAIDEN drops you into Sengoku Japan as a modern high school girl who is transported back in time to become a samurai. Armed with a katana and accompanied by ninja allies, you hack through demons in stylish third-person combat. The game is unabashedly anime-inspired, with flashy combos, character upgrades, and a lighthearted story that contrasts with Oddworld’s grim industrial themes. Combat is fast and fluid, with a focus on chaining attacks and using special moves against waves of enemies. It’s not as deep as a character action game like Devil May Cry, but it’s accessible and satisfying for fans of the genre.

Compared to The Oddboxx, SAMURAI MAIDEN is much more straightforward. There’s little platforming or puzzle-solving—instead, you progress through linear levels, defeating enemies and bosses. The game’s appeal lies in its aesthetic and power fantasy: you’re a cute samurai girl slicing through mythological beasts. The story is light and fanservicey, which may or may not appeal to you. For players who want a relaxing, visually pleasing action game without the stress of permadeath or complex puzzles, SAMURAI MAIDEN is a great choice. It’s the polar opposite of Oddworld’s punishing design.

DOOMBLADE: Metroidvania Revenge with a Living Weapon

DOOMBLADE is a precision-action platformer with metroidvania elements. You play as Gloom Girl, a vengeful protagonist wielding the sentient DOOMBLADE—a sword that can transform into different forms. The game is all about tight platforming and combat, with a focus on exploration and ability gating. As you progress, you unlock new blade abilities that let you access previously unreachable areas, similar to Hollow Knight or Ori. The art style is dark and detailed, with a gothic atmosphere that suits the revenge narrative.

Where DOOMBLADE shines is in its balance of action and exploration. The platforming is demanding but fair, and the combat system rewards timing and strategy. The DOOMBLADE itself has a personality, adding a layer of charm to the dark world. Compared to The Oddboxx, DOOMBLADE offers a more cohesive modern experience with interconnected levels and meaningful upgrades. It’s shorter than the combined Oddboxx content but provides a tightly designed campaign that respects your time. For metroidvania fans, DOOMBLADE is a hidden gem that delivers quality over quantity.

Value and Audience Fit: Which Should You Buy?

Let’s talk value. The Oddboxx Steam Gift gives you four full games for a single price. If you’ve never played Oddworld, this is an incredible deal—you’re getting hundreds of hours of content, even if some mechanics feel dated. The bundle is perfect for players who enjoy challenging puzzles, dark humor, and rich world-building. It’s also a great choice for retro enthusiasts who want to experience gaming history. On the downside, the older games lack modern conveniences like checkpoints and intuitive controls, which might frustrate casual players.

For those who prefer contemporary design, SANABI, SAMURAI MAIDEN, and DOOMBLADE each offer focused experiences with modern polish. SANABI is ideal for speedrunners and precision platformer fans. SAMURAI MAIDEN appeals to anime lovers and hack-and-slash enthusiasts. DOOMBLADE is a must for metroidvania collectors. While each costs less than The Oddboxx individually, they provide less total playtime. However, their quality and tight design often justify the price. If you have limited time and want a polished, modern game, pick one of these. If you want a massive library of classic content, go with The Oddboxx.

Platform and Compatibility: Steam Region Free

All five games are available on Steam as region-free keys, meaning you can activate them anywhere in the world. This is a huge plus for international players. The Oddboxx, SANABI, SAMURAI MAIDEN, and DOOMBLADE all support controllers and modern resolutions. The Oddboxx’s Steam versions include quality-of-life improvements like widescreen support and cloud saves, though some jank remains. The newer games run smoothly on a wide range of hardware, from gaming laptops to desktop PCs. Make sure to check individual system requirements on the product pages, but overall, these are all well-optimized for Steam. You can find each game on the Pinelicks Vault Steam catalog for easy purchase.